Texas Master Naturalist enrollment deadlines begin Aug. 1

Important deadlines are fast approaching for the 17 Texas Master Naturalist chapters conducting training classes this fall for volunteers interested in becoming involved in natural resource and conservation management, the program’s assistant state coordinator said.

Mary Pearl Meuth, Texas Master Naturalist assistant program coordinator, said the program is co-sponsored by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and consists of 48 chapters across the state. Its mission is to develop a corps of well-informed citizen volunteers to educate their communities about the management of natural resources.

“The main qualification needed to become a certified Texas Master Naturalist is an interest in learning and playing an active part in conservation,” Meuth said. “Volunteers will receive at least 40 hours of basic training from educators and specialists from universities, natural resource agencies, nature centers and museums.”

Training topics will include interpretation and management of natural resources, ecological concepts, eco-regions in Texas and natural systems management, she said.

Once trained, volunteers are expected to provide 40 hours of service a year in community education, demonstration and habitat enhancement projects to maintain certification as a Texas Master Naturalist. At least eight hours of advanced training in areas of personal interest are also required.

Meuth said most chapters limit enrollment and because several chapters’ registration deadlines are by Aug. 1 or shortly thereafter, she urges interested persons to contact their respective chapters as soon as possible.

More information about the Texas Master Naturalist program and upcoming training opportunities is available at txmn.org.